Barbara J. Cataldo (Lee Pellegrini)
Barbara J. Cataldo, the former superintendent of the Cohasset Public Schools and a 16-year education administration veteran, has been named director of The Campus School at Boston College, Stanton E.F. Wortham, the Charles F. Donovan, S.J., dean of BC's Lynch School of Education announced today.
She succeeds Don Ricciato, who led The Campus School for 30 years, and who will transition from his leadership role to teaching and advising Lynch School undergraduates on a part-time basis, effective June 30.
Founded in 1970 and located at the Lynch School, the publicly funded Campus School currently enrolls more than 40 special education students, ages three-21, from 32 Massachusetts communities. Campus School students face complex physical and developmental challenges that may affect communication, vision, cognition, sensory processing, movement or fine motor skills. The school develops age-appropriate thematic units that align with the Massachusetts General Education Curriculum Frameworks.
Cataldo, formerly the director of special education at the Arlington Public Schools, and the special needs coordinator at the Cambridge Public Schools, most recently served as an interim administrator of student services at the Sudbury and Weston public schools, respectively. Just prior to leading the Cohasset Public Schools, she was the assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services at the Milford Public Schools. Cumulatively, she has more than 35 years of experience in education.
"We're thrilled to have Dr. Cataldo join us as the new director of The Campus School," said Wortham. "She brings decades of experience in special education and educational administration, as well as extensive contacts in local school districts. We look forward to a great future for The Campus School with Barbara at the helm."
A resident of Needham, Cataldo received an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University, and a M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She earned a B.A. at Wheaton College.
"I'm looking forward to joining the Boston College Campus School family," said Cataldo, who will start on July 9. "For many years I have watched the school grow and develop into the outstanding program it is today, serving children from many local communities. It is an honor to become the next director, and I hope I'm able to fill the shoes of Dr. Ricciato."
The Campus School employs a personalized, integrated, and transdisciplinary approach to special education that strives to fulfill the potential in children and youth with multiple disabilities. Its university setting provides access to BC resources, particularly cutting-edge research, evidence-based practices, and the many undergraduate students who bring their energy and enthusiasm to the school through The Campus School Volunteers of Boston College.
Phil Gloudemans | University Communications | May 1, 2018